Newsletter

Would-be Savannah Craigslist drug dealers busted

Jessica Cope

Rashawn Mitchell

The Craigslist ad

Two people are in custody after selling prescription drugs to members of the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team.

Wednesday afternoon, CNT agents were made aware of an ad on Craigslist where someone was offering to sell the prescription drug Klonopin. According to the ad, it listed “KLONOPINS” and instructed the would-be buyers to text the phone number listed, said Gene Harley, CNT spokesman.

A CNT agent working in an undercover capacity contacted the number listed in the online ad and made arrangements to meet with the seller at her residence located in the 200 block of Quacco Road.

The undercover agent arrived at the residence and purchased a total of 50 Klonopin pills for $50. Once the sale was complete, the seller, 25-year-old Jessica Cope, was arrested for sale of a controlled substance without incident.

While on scene, Cope’s fiance, 34-year-old Rashawn Mitchell, arrived at the residence and was also arrested after agents discovered he was wanted by the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office for contempt of court.

Both Cope and Mitchell were transported to the Chatham County jail where Cope remains after being denied bond during her arraignment in Chatham County Recorder’s Court.

Klonopin is listed as a Schedule IV drug under the Controlled Substances Act and used to help treat seizures and anxiety. Persons abuse Klonopin by enhancing the effects of other drugs, like opiates and alcohol.